Diversidad funcional y su relación con la dinámica en la biomasa de bosques nativos montanos, provincia del Azuay

Abstract

Andean montane native forests have high diversity and provide ecosystem goods and services. For this, the functional characteristics play a very important role. However, it is necessary to carry out research to generate knowledge and evaluate the functionality of species through functional traits. In this research, information on functional traits was generated as predictors or indicators of aboveground biomass. The study area was in the Azuay province, Cuenca canton in Andean montane, secondary and mature forests, located at altitudes between 2900-3500 m. Twenty-eight permanent monitoring plots were monitored, where the functional traits of each species (RF) were measured in individuals with ≥ 5 cm DBH. The following functional traits were measured: leaf area (AF), specific leaf area (SFA), dry matter content (DM), wood density (DM), diameter at breast height (DBH), maximum height (HT) and leaf thickness (Gr). These traits were described by mean and standard deviation statisticians. Additionally, analyzes of the relationship between RF with altitude and age of succession were performed. The initial biomass was measured in the years 2016-2017, the final biomass in the year 2020 and the mean annual increase of this period of time. Finally, simple Pearson and Spearman correlations were performed between functional traits (predictors) and biomass (response variables). As results, significant relationships were obtained in four of the seven functional traits (RF) with altitude. Successional age was significantly correlated with all functional traits, except leaf thickness (P=1). The initial biomass (BI) registered 65.5 Mg/ha, the final biomass (BF) was 76.3 Mg/ha and the average annual increase was 2.69 Mg/ha/year. Diameter at breast height and height were strongly and significantly correlated with initial biomass and final biomass, therefore, they are the functional traits that mostly explain carbon storage in Andean montane forests.